Taipei, Aug. 17 (CNA) Jazz artists from home and abroad, including famed trumpeter Michael Mossman and saxophonist Antonio Hart, will gather in Taipei Aug. 19-20 to stage two free outdoor jazz concerts.
Launched in 2009 by the National Chiang Kai-shek Cultural Center, the free concerts are aimed at attracting more people to enjoy the quintessential American music form and further cultivate local young jazz talent.
In addition to the free performances, the center has organized a week-long masterclass during which students will learn to hone their skills with top jazz musicians, including both Mossman and Hart, along with Stacey Wei, a local trumpeter and music educator. The students, divided into two groups, will have their moments and perform in the free concert Aug. 20.
A musician who travels the world extensively, Mossman said before a rehearsal Tuesday that he sees things happening here on the music scene that are developing fast. He described Taiwan as "a real center for music" and said that "there is a high level of musical talent."
Hart, who is visiting Taiwan for the second time, said Taiwanese people are the nicest he's met in his life. "Living in New York for a very long time, sometimes you become skeptical about people's intentions. People here are soulful, and students are very respectful," he said.
On Aug. 19, a quintet led by Taiwanese musician Huang Jui-feng, Singaporean singer Olivia Ong's jazz trio, and a Japanese quartet led by Yano Saori will perform. The following night will see a further six acts take the stage. (By Hermia Lin) ENDITEM/J
SOURCE: focustaiwan
